By Ian Gustafson

Vanberg Cup

Innisfail Eagles lead Lacombe Generals 2-1 in NCHL Final

Mar 18, 2025 | 4:10 PM

With their backs against the wall the Lacombe Generals picked up an important victory in the Vanberg Cup Final.

On Sunday, March 16, the Generals beat the Innisfail Eagles 4-3 at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex to get their first win of the best-of-seven series.

Lacombe led 4-1 late in the second period but the Eagles launched a comeback in the third period to pull within a goal of tying it. However, time ran out on them before they could find the equalizer.

Jacob Wozney and Chase Thudium led the Eagles with two points each and Craig Gans led Lacombe with a goal and two assists.

Both goaltenders stood on their heads including Eagles goalie Chance Griffith who made 43 saves and Generals netminder Mackenzie Engel who made 33 saves.

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The Eagles lead the series 2-1 with a chance to take a commanding lead in Game 4 on Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m. in Innisfail.

If the Eagles are victorious, they’ll have a chance to win the Vanberg Cup in Game 5 on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. in Innisfail.

If needed, Game 6 is set for Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Innisfail and Game 7 on Sunday, March 30 at 3 p.m. in Lacombe.

The Eagles are searching for their first-ever title in the North Central Hockey League since joining last summer. Meanwhile, the Generals are going for their third straight title.

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